Dear reader,

I created this space to pull back the curtain on everyday life. But it wouldn't be possible without pulling back the curtain on my own act as a writer. This special edition gives you a behind-the-scenes look at all of it.

I know it's hard to believe a thing anyone says on the Internet these days. Social media has a way of turning us all into liars and narcissists, constantly vying for attention. But for some of us, sharing online feels genuinely unnerving.

If you've been off of social media for 15 years, like I have, it's a place you never want to go back to, let alone be vulnerable in. It affects what writers say and how we say it.

Sometimes we delay writing in selfish defiance. We dim the lights and wait in wordless agony, hoping the world will hear our mute confession. We wait and we wait until the memory of things unsaid comes alive in our deepest sleep, between the worlds of here and there, in a language of its own.

So we awaken and we write, our pain cloaked in jest and amusement.

You see, the writer's backstage isn't really about me. It's about looking at each other for who we are—and accepting what we see. On the other end of your screen is just another pretender aiming to please.

That's what inspired this month's topic: The Hero's Journey.

Not the desire to win... but the courage to face ourselves, our deepest failures, and rise again.

The Arming of the Hero

Four weeks ago, I decided to write about the theater of sport using the universal archetype of the hero. The connections between sport and culture were mesmerizing. But there was one problem: I don't exactly watch sports.

To bring this blog series to life, I studied...

100+ hours of sports documentaries
8 autobiographies
10 movies
40 gameplays
50+ interviews
7 different sports

If you've ever struggled with confidence, you'll love Part 1, where I look at the psychological barriers that afflict the hero through the real-life story of Michael Jordan (basketball) and Serena Williams (tennis). I also explore the resilience of ordinary characters in literature and folklore, particularly The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Take a sneak peek 👇

If you're a manager, decision-maker, or looking for mentorship, you'll enjoy Part 2. I explore the hero's training and unexpected sources of guidance. You'll learn about the coaching styles of 2x Champions League winner Jose Mourinho (football), the man who trained MJ (NBA), head coach for 2x World Rugby Champions, Rassie Erasmus (rugby), and humanity's greatest teacher: failure.

Finally, if you're fascinated with ritual and culture in sport and politics, Part 3 is for you. I delve into the hero's final test and calling, alluding to music and activism from the Civil Rights Movement, and the historic haka in New Zealand parliament. Have your pick!

Part 1: The Player

Part 2: The Coach

Part 3: The Story

Music That Moves Us

One of the best parts of exploring this topic was the fucking phenomenal music I got to revisit. From the nostalgic hip-hop of The Last Dance, to the kickass soundtrack for Kill Bill and The Matrix, to the breathtaking improv by Nina Simone, this was by far the best musical experience I've had writing.

Did you know that the award-winning score for the Lord of the Rings trilogy was done by a Canadian composer? Howard Shore explains:

"The music became thematic as a way to express clarity. To tell the story."

No wonder his work for LOTR is compared to the operas of Wagner. Here's why. (A great way to check if you're dead inside!)

My Favorite Sports Documentary

If you're confused by what you're seeing in the news about South Africa, this emotional documentary will help you separate fact from fiction.

As far as team sports go, the motivation to do the impossible, to be taken seriously—not only as a player or a team but also as a country—Chasing the Sun (Part 1 and 2) is a revelation. It doesn't hide from the ugliness of its past, and that's what makes it one of the best documentaries I've ever seen.

How Siblings Shape Our Lives

We all love blaming parents for all our fuck-ups. But new research suggests that brothers and sisters have their own profound impact on how we fight, how we fail, and how we succeed. An excellent piece by Susan Dominus, staff writer at The New York Times.

The Quote That Stayed With Me

“

Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.”

— Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces

💡 Did you know? Joseph Campbell was a writer known for popularizing "the hero" archetype in film and cultural studies. His work went on to influence George Lucas and shaped the Star Wars trilogy.

Weekly film recommendation

*"The only place I get hurt is out there. The world don't give a shit about me."*

A sentimental journey of a broken man wrestling to mend his life.
*Available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
🎞️ Have recommendations? Thoughts?
Reply to this email or drop a comment under any of my blog posts!

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That's all for now. Until next Saturday! 🍿

Acting Everyday
#BreakTheFourthWall

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